The simple pleasures in life, like quietly reading a book, often bring the most joy. I enjoy reading about history and the economy, so I recently searched online for some of the most popular titles on investment advice.

Most of us remember exactly where we were the morning of September 11, 2001. That horrific day not only changed the lives of thousands of families in New York; it also set our country on a complicated path the outcomes and implications of which are still being debated. We will truly never forget.

It seems sometimes that we go out of our way to find things to worry about. Whenever I hear talk about how bad things have become, I understand that, yes, some people are hurting and need our help, but the vast majority of Americans wake up each day with a roof over our heads, clean water and more than enough to eat.

There’s a lot of noise out there. The internet has transformed the world, releasing the power of information in amazing ways. But it also has become a venue for the dissemination of much nonsense. Every talking head or columnist seems to profess a different strategy, and in no industry is that truer than financial services.

A healthy sense of skepticism has always been wise, and in today’s informational avalanche, it is essential. Perhaps there was a time, at the apex of journalistic integrity, when individual investors could trust much of what they read in print. But today, you need to follow a set of clear principles so the media noise won’t get in the way of your progress.

People sometimes ask us whether we have some trick to gauging the market. We have no wand or crystal ball. We do our utmost to help clients find the right strategy — and rather than a trick, that requires a good measure of sense. We do not know, nor does anyone, exactly what the future holds at any particular time. We approach investing by building portfolios in anticipation of market volatility, not in reaction to it.

Many people find it tough to resist the temptation to make a rash move in a bear market as the media noise becomes deafening. If you are concerned about whether you have the discipline to stick to a plan, professional guidance can help you. People hire specialists all the time to handle tasks that require specialized knowledge or that (for whatever reason) they don’t want to do themselves. Wise leaders delegate. In particular, when it comes to your personal finances, a credentialed, fee-based financial professional can give you knowledgeable and experienced advice on how to attain a fruitful retirement.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.